State Festival Overview
The State Festival is the signature event for Oregon Thespians. It is attended by over 1700 theatre students and teachers from around the state and features educational theatre workshops, several main stage productions, dozens of one act plays, presentations, and more.
Schools may apply to have one of their productions featured at the Festival as one of the top high school shows of the year. All troupes attending are expected to participate in some significant way. Participating troupes may bring one-act plays or scenes to showcase in the One Act Marathon, or present a troupe-sponsored Workshop. Workshops are also offered by local, regional, and national theatre professionals and college students and professors.
The qualifying top 10% in each category from the Regional Acting Competitions audition for the State Showcase at the State Festival. Judges select a minimum of two scenes or as many as 20% per category to perform at the State Showcase. Entries deemed superior at their Regional Competitions, by virtue of their advancement to the final round of auditions at State, are also eligible to enter the Thespys® competition at the International Thespian Festival in June.
Design/Technical Theatre events are also conducted, including a range of events in which students can advance for adjudication and recognition at both the State and National levels.
At the end of the Festival, awards for Honor Troupe, technical achievement, and Scholarships are presented and a new State Board is elected. See SCHOLARSHIPS/HONORS for more information on teacher, troupe, and student opportunities.
High school students in grades 9-12, their theatre teachers, and chaperones are welcome at the conference. The registered Troupe Director MUST attend with the delegation, or designate an adult Troupe leader (with approval from their school). All students must be chaperoned by an adult (21 years or older) for the entire weekend of the Festival.
State Festival 2026 Schedule
Detailed schedule shared with registered participants the week of State Festival using the event app Eventsential
Please note that we run a "tracked" schedule where different troupes are grouped together in a track. Each track attends different aspects of the Festival concurrently (ex: Blue track is watching a main stage production while Gold track is attending workshops and one acts; then they switch). Sometimes tracks attend events at the same time (ex: Evening Events).
Thurs., Apr. 9
12-5pm Check-in and Pre-festival activities (Showcase Auditions, Design/Tech Competition, Honor Troupe Presentations, Advocacy event, College Auditions, S.T.E.V.E. tables)
5:30-9:30pm Festival opening (Workshops, Main Stages, S.T.E.V.E. tables; Any late check in by pre-arrangement only)
9:30-11pm Evening Events
Fri., Apr. 10
9:30am-9:30pm Festival events all day (Workshops, One Acts, Main Stages, S.T.E.V.E. tables)
9:30-11pm Evening Events
Sat., Apr. 11
9:30am-2:30pm Festival events (Workshops, One Acts, Showcase, Troupe President meeting, Troupe Director meeting, All State activity)
3-4:30pm Closing Ceremony (All State Musical, Announcements, Awards, and Fun Surprises!)
Participant Forms
& Registration
Troupe Directors are required to print, distribute, and collect complete, signed copies of each form below for each participating student in the State Festival.
Please note:
All forms must be uploaded into your high school troupe's unique folder, located inside the Oregon Thespians G-Suite Shared Drive Folder "Oregon Thespians Required Forms Folder." To access, Troupe Directors must log into your troupe's unique account yourschoolname @ oregonthespians.org.
1) ALL TROUPE DIRECTORS MUST UPLOAD BOTH the "Health Information and Liability Release" AND "Code of Conduct" FORMS into the Oregon Thespians G-Suite Shared Drive folder "Oregon Thespians Required Forms" folder into your troupe's director-created unique troupe folder to complete Festival registration.
2) BOTH students AND adults for the duration of the event, an individual paper copy, shown at the registration table on check-in, must go into each participant's nametag wallet. The wallet is provided at Festival registration table when the Troupe Director checks in and receives their registration supplies.
3) TROUPE DIRECTORS MUST KEEP THEIR OWN SET OF COPIES, PARTICULARLY THE HEALTH FORM. You can use the e-forms you upload into the Shared Drive, or another paper copy. You may have additional district or school forms, but they will not be accepted as official Festival forms.
Required for ALL participants
(adults and students)
Students without these signed forms will not be permitted to participate.
The required forms will be checked to complete registration.
Troupe Directors must keep their own set of copies, which can include uploaded versions.
Each student must keep a copy of their Health Form in their nametag wallet, which they will receive at the Festival when your Troupe Director checks in.
Required for ALL participants
(adults and students)
Students without these signed forms will not be permitted to participate.
The required forms will be checked to complete registration.
Troupe Directors must keep their own set of copies, which can include uploaded versions.
HEALTH AND SAFETY:
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Oregon Thespians will follow state, district, and host site health and safety guidelines.
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All Troupe Directors, Chaperones, and Student Participants are expected to follow the directions of their own school district’s expectations and protocols with regard to vaccination status, negative testing, and any other district requirements, in order to comply with that district’s protocols for participating in any field trip. Everyone must comply with any and all other necessary restrictions when attending this event.
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Everyone attending Regionals in any capacity may be asked to wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth (no gaiters) at all times in all venues, unless actively performing for a live audience (ex: auditions, one acts, main stage events, showcase). Plan accordingly.
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All participants, regardless of age, must complete a self check at home. If you are feeling ill or showing signs of sickness, stay home.
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Anyone not adhering to these protocols will be subject to possible disqualification.
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Thank you for understanding and helping keep us all healthy and safe!
Honor Troupe
Submission Deadline: March 20
We are continuing to develop the process by which an Oregon Thespian Troupe earns the title HONOR TROUPE. Troupes earning at least 60 points on the online application form, and after a student-led presentation at State Festival highlighting their "Spotlight Focus", qualify as an Honor Troupe. At the State Festival, one troupe is selected to present their "Spotlight Focus."
The presentation is intended to focus on something which really makes your Troupe’s efforts stand out. We call it a SPOTLIGHT FOCUS, and it represents an activity or project that your Troupe undertook this year over and above your normal level of activity. It should represent a reach, or an innovative step, in how you use existing resources and/or develop new ones.
Using guidelines from other states’ processes, we have established a point system to help Troupes demonstrate a mean level of activity for their Troupe. When applying, you will be asked to provide information about your Troupe’s activities and projects in four areas: Theatre Production, Community Service, Participation in Oregon Thespians, and Outreach.
The point system was developed to encourage a solid, balanced level of involvement and activity across those four areas. Up to 30 points may be earned for Theatre Production, up to 20 points for Community Service, up to 30 points for Participation, and up to 20 points for Outreach. We have set the mark at 60 points to establish a base level of involvement.
Once a troupe establishes this level, attention turns to a specific project or activity that stretched the Troupe’s resources, created innovative connections, represented a risk, or otherwise stood as an “over and above” attempt.
We would like the Honor Troupe designation to honor Troupes that maintain a balanced level of involvement and strive for excellence by stretching themselves in new and innovative ways.
Troupe presentations will be scheduled on the first day of the State Festival, the same day as Showcase Auditions and Tech Entries, and are to be presented by students. Adjudicators will validate the Troupe’s claims and those who satisfy the requirements will be named Honor Troupe. No limits to how many troupes can achieve Honor Troupe.
All Honor Troupes will receive a certificate and be recognized at the conclusion of the State Festival.
Presentations happen at the State Thespian Festival. Those troupes that register online will receive further information about the presentation at State.
Parade of Troupes
ONE SLIDE Submission Deadline: March 20
The Parade of Troupes is another opportunity for Oregon Thespians to recognize every troupe’s contributions to educational theatre in our state. All Troupes and Junior Troupes participating in State are asked to submit one (1) Powerpoint slide for inclusion in the annual Parade of Troupes presentation at the Thespians State Festival and Junior Thespians State Day.
Tips & Hints:
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Your ONE SLIDE must be no larger than 2 MB and be STATIC.
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Multiple images are allowed but no video, sound, or animations.
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If a specialty font is used, it will only look correct in the final presentation if the font is also installed on the computer showing the final presentation, so limit font use to those that are common to most machines. Really common. Like, everyone has them.
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If you assign a background to the ONE SLIDE, do not select “apply to all.” Do not use a template slide design. Create your ONE SLIDE from scratch, as a standalone. A presentation of ONE SLIDE.
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Avoid using pre-made Powerpoint templates as these often incorporate a background on a single slide which will be lost when your ONE SLIDE is copied into the rest of the presentation. You can test your ONE SLIDE by copying and pasting it into another presentation (ideally on a different computer). That’s what we’ll be doing on this end.
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You can use your imaging software (photoshop or similar) to save high-resolution photos at a lower resolution, decreasing the amount of memory they take.
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Remember that your ONE SLIDE will be a part of a fast-moving, projected presentation. Aim for high visual impact. Use a few words. Text will be difficult to read, limit it to titles and headlines only.
Save your ONE SLIDE with your school name as the file name, and upload it at the link provided.
Questions? Contact Tom Cavanaugh at mcnaryhs@oregonthespians.org.
Theatre Etiquette Videos
Submission Deadline: March 20
The Theatre Etiquette video submission is another opportunity for Oregon Thespians to showcase their work in our state. Troupes participating at State are invited to submit a THEATRE ETIQUETTE VIDEO to be shown prior to each of the Main Stage Productions and Closing Ceremonies with an additional opportunity to have every video screened during Evening Events.
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Troupes or individual Thespians can create original theatre etiquette videos.
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Up to four videos will be selected by STO or Adult Board Members for presentation at the State Festival.
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Videos should be no more than 3 minutes long, and creatively remind audiences of proper theatre etiquette around areas such as talking, cell phones, texting, food and drink, and other proper audience behavior.
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Videos must be submitted on ONLINE.
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Post your video as an unlisted video on YouTube and send the link to Tom Cavanaugh mcnaryhs@oregonthespians.org.
Up to four videos can be featured!
Production Response and Adjudication
Response: Productions applying to receive written feedback only.
Adjudication: Productions applying to receive written feedback AND also be considered to perform at State.
Application Deadline: Dec. 15
The deadline for applying to receive Production Response (written feedback only) and Adjudication (consideration to bring a full Production to the State Festival) is December 15 each year. Productions performed by January 15 are eligible. Before applying, please carefully review ALL information contained on this page, including all documents linked from this page.
All Productions will receive written feedback.
Each year, a number of Productions by Oregon Thespian Troupes are selected to perform at the State Festival.
To have a Production considered for one of the available performance slots, read and follow the information and guidelines found in the SOP below, as well as the application itself.
Please note: Written feedback is given by the Production Adjudication committee. Live adjudication is not offered by Oregon Thespians. If desired, directors should make their own arrangements for any live response for the benefit of feedback for themselves and their company. Director arranged feedback has no bearing on the Production Adjudication committee's selections for a performance slot at State.
Note that advance planning and preparation are crucial to the success of a Production at State. Application and request deadlines are important for your committee members who are facilitating the selection process.
If you are planning to have a Production considered for State, please review the technical specifications and stage layout of The Historic Elsinore Theatre and stage specifications of The Grand Theatre, our State performance venues, so you can plan for a potential presentation at either of these sites.
Technical Theatre Information for Main Stage Venues
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Submission Options:
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Online Response - NOT for State performance consideration; written feedback only (Fee $100)
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Online Adjudication - for State performance consideration (Fee $100)
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TWO FEE PAYMENT OPTIONS (for application fee):
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CREDIT CARD: You can pay by credit card through OpenWater (preferred; additional 3.4% fee).
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CHECK TO: OREGON THESPIANS. Your name, troupe, and "Production Adjudication" must appear on the memo line. Mail check to: Roosevelt HS Theatre, c/o Jo Strom Lane, Oregon Thespians Chapter Director, 6941 N. Central St., Portland OR 97203.
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Acting Showcase Auditions
Troupe Directors must confirm participation for any entries who have qualified for the State Showcase Auditions.
The State Showcase Auditions for Oregon begin at the Regional Acting Competition, where the top 10% in each event, following the two or three schedule preliminary rounds for that event, are deemed superior and named Showcase Audition Qualifiers.
This designation also qualifies these entries to participate in the International Thespian Excellence Awards Showcase at the International Thespian Festival in June. (Note that some Oregon rules and events vary from Thespys™, and not all events are held at the ITFest. Check the Regionals SOP for more information).
At State, each entry performs one time before a team of two judges. These judges provide adjudication and then consult collectively to select two entries per category, or 10% of the number of entries, whichever is greater, to represent in the State Showcase.
The State Showcase Auditions typically happen on the Thursday of the State Festival, between Noon and 5 pm. The day and time of the State Showcase itself can vary from year to year. All those participating in the auditions are encouraged to register and participate in the State Festival, but it is not required. Only registered students at State will be considered for the State Showcase.
Troupe Directors must confirm their entries’ participation in the State Showcase Auditions, following Regionals and before the State Deadline.
For more information, please email Acting Showcase Auditions Coordinator at performance@oregonthespians.org.
Design and Tech Events
Students attending the State Festival are able to submit an entry in a DESIGN/TECH EVENT. Entries are adjudicated, providing feedback and recognition. Students can qualify to enter the International Thespian Excellence Awards (Thespys) at the International Thespian Festival, as well, by earning an overall Superior at State.
The cost of entering is $16 per entry for current Thespian Members and $18 per entry for non-Thespian students.
Each Troupe is limited to three (3) entries per Design/Tech Event and three (3) entries per student. If you have more students interested, we suggest you hold an “in-house adjudication” to select which three (3) per event will represent your Troupe at the State level.
Below is the complete list of DESIGN/TECH EVENTS that will be adjudicated at the State Festival this year.
All categories are Thespys Qualifiers except those noted as "BETA TEST."
CLICK on the event to get the checklist per category to ensure your submission has all of the requirements met.
You can find the SOP and Thespys Guide above for the rules and scoring rubrics.
For more information, email Design/Tech Coordinator, at designtech@oregonthespians.org.
Proposed Thespys - BETA TEST
Oregon Thespians is a part of the BETA TESTING GROUP for the Proposed Thespy national categories. The categories are not eligible as an ITF Qualifier at this time.
Below is are the rules and rubrics for the BETA TEST of the Directing Thespy. Oregon Thespians use the national BETA version below. These documents can be printed and added to a hardcopy manual, if desired. Check the date of any hardcopies you have. Below is the most current version.
Click here for the Proposed Directing Thespy RUBRIC & RULES from 2023-2024 (cont. BETA for '25-'26)
TECH CHALLENGE
Tech Challenge consists of four team events, determined each year by the coordinators. These events represent basic skills that every theatre technician needs. The event can happen at any point during the Festival each year, to be announced each year. Troupe directors register Tech Challenge teams in the State registration.
The following Tech Challenge event requirements were designed by professionals, educators, and the Educational Theatre Association. Please use this guide to help your team prepare. A Tech Challenge team has four members; see event descriptions for details. Each team carries a team score sheet. The definitions of the boldface words found throughout this guide are in the vocabulary section at the back.
EdTA recognizes that there are a variety of methods and materials used to execute these tasks. The methods described in this guide have been developed and decided on by experienced theatre technicians. Participants are expected to follow the instructions outlined here and will be scored accordingly.
One-Act Marathon
Troupes can bring one-act plays and cuttings to perform at State in the following categories: Playwriting, Chapter Select* and/or Freestyle. One-acts can range from staged readings to cuttings and 10 minute plays to fully staged one-acts, both published and original works, depending on the category. Troupes can enter more than one category (as time/space allows). Multiple entries per category are allowed.
1. Playwriting Performance: Pre-selected Playwriting winners produce their own original plays and then perform at State, either as a staged reading or a fully staged production. Also, Playwriting shows can be considered for Chapter Select, but those productions should be a fully staged show, and needs to be entered in the Chapter Select category. See separate section for Playwriting Competition information.
2. Chapter Select* (CS distinction based on space available at ITF): Chapter Select one-acts are screened at State Festival to become the one Chapter Select show recommended to perform at the International Thespian Festival in June as the representative top quality one-act in the Oregon State/Chapter that year. Chapter Select eligible shows will be adjudicated. The selected show, including all cast and crew, must plan to attend Festival and follow the IT Festival regulations regarding performance. See below for ITF Chapter Select Showcase Info, Guide, and Scoring Rubric.
3. Freestyle: Freestyle is a performance venue open to anyone and just about anything. You can present one-acts, staged readings, cuttings, scenes, original works, 10 minute plays, or simply use it as a venue to share your rehearsed talents. This category includes Productions in Process (PIPs) and Pieces of Performance (POPs).
GUIDELINES AND JUDGING STANDARDS FOR OREGON THESPIANS ONE-ACT MARATHON:
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Each show is allowed no longer than 45 minutes for performance, 10 minutes for set up and 5 minutes for strike.
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Plan to perform in a space no larger than 10’ x 15’.
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Use only essential costumes, scenery, and props. Costumes and props should fit into one 30 gallon sized tub.
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Furniture and other scenic items are not provided.
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Bring your own sound equipment, such as a portable stereo system, CDs, and speakers loud enough for both actors and audience to hear.
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Stage lighting is not guaranteed in every performance space.
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All One-Acts will be assigned performance space and time.
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All One-Acts will be grouped by category for performances. Be sure to select the correct category when you submit your One Act during your online registration.
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All One-Act Marathon plays will receive feedback from at least one respondent (Playwriting and Freestyle) or two Adjudicators (Chapter Select).
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All One-Acts receiving an overall SUPERIOR rating will be recognized.
Click below to see the rubrics used by adjudicators:
*CS entries also must read and follow ITF Chapter Select Requirements, including completing the CHECKLISTS provided in the How to Admin CS Guide below:
Also available for One-Act Coordinators:
For more information, please email One-Act Marathon Coordinator, at oneacts@oregonthespians.org.
Playwriting
High school students can submit original plays for adjudication. All plays are given written feedback. Of those submitted, up to four plays are selected to present at the State Festival. They can be a staged reading to fully staged one-act as part of the One-Act Marathon, in the Playwriting category, unless specifically requested to be considered for Chapter Select (CS distinction based on space available at ITF. See the One Act Marathon section for CS specific requirements and guidelines). All Superior entries are eligible to compete at ITF in Thespys under the Playwriting category.
TIMELINE
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November 1 - Submission window opens
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December 15 - PLAYWRITING SUBMISSION DEADLINE
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December 15-31 - Adjudication window
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January 1-14 - Judges decide 2-4 Meritorious selections
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February 1 - Playwriting Coordinator emails the Meritorious playwrights with invitation to bring their plays to State.
GENERAL INFORMATION
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Please read and adhere strictly to the entry guidelines. If you intend to submit your work to the International Festival, check the EdTA website (www.schooltheatre.org) as their guidelines and deadlines do differ.
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Entries will be submitted online. No paper copies will be accepted.
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All entries must be in PDF format.
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Please refer to the student Playwriting Guidelines in the SOP and Rubric.
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Please do NOT list any identifying information beyond Name and Troupe # on your script document.
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ENTRY FEES: THESPIANS $16; NON-THESPIANS $18.
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TWO PAYMENT OPTIONS:
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CREDIT CARD: You can pay by credit card through OpenWater (preferred method; processing fee 3.4%).
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CHECK TO: OREGON THESPIANS. Your name, troupe, and "playwriting" must appear on the memo line. Mail check to: Roosevelt HS Theatre, c/o Jo Strom Lane, Oregon Thespians Chapter Director, 6941 N. Central St., Portland OR 97203.
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SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Submissions from STUDENTS will be accepted via our online platform OpenWater.
If you haven't already, STUDENTS you must create your own OpenWater account. When you register, select the playwriting option. You must enter all required information and upload your script document. Add your registration to the cart, checkout, and FINALIZE or you won't be registered. You should receive an invoice and confirmation notice.
Please adhere to the following:
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Playwrights may submit ONE entry only.
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Please do NOT list any identifying information beyond Name and Troupe # on your script document.
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Length: 10 minimum to 30 maximum typewritten pages, not including title page and dramatis personae. These are short plays, intended to be at least 10 minutes and not to exceed 40 minutes in length when read aloud.
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Use 1” – 1 ½” margins.
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Use a 12-point, simple font.
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Use all capitals for character indicators.
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Italicize all stage directions.
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Number each page.
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Proofread for correct spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
JUDGING STANDARDS FOR PLAYWRITING
Plays are Judged based on the following criteria:
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Plot: Clear conflict and action that relates to an established plot and is believable for the world of the play. Transitions between events are clear.
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Character: Well-developed and varied characters with clear objectives and relationships. The characters are purposeful to the story, authentic to the world, and easy to imagine. Characters are clearly-defined and contrasts between them creates dramatic tension. Internal/external motivations are clear.
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Dialogue: Cohesive, purposeful dialogue supports and amplifies the action and the characters, is authentic to the world of the play and reveals subtle character traits, personalities, conflict, mood, and is consistent with style and form. Feels authentic, consistent with character voice throughout script.
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Dramatic Action, Structure, Conflict: A cohesive world of the play is created connecting plot, characters, language, setting and spectacle. Logical, fluid development of play. Each scene includes compelling complications and is linked with transitions. Very clear beginning, middle and end serve character regarding meaningful conflict, crisis, climax, and conclusion.
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Originality: Creative Process, Setting, Research, Meaning/Intent are clear. The chosen theme and style creates a compelling original piece of theatre in a unique voice. Very original presentation of material, captures audience’s attention. Research apparent. Setting serves character, theme, and story. The playwright’s intent is skillfully intertwined in play and serves the character and story.
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Theatricality: Dramatic action is clearly designed for stage presentation. Stage directions are clear and helpful. Readers can easily picture how the play would be staged.
STATE SELECTION
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The selection committee is made up of playwrights and theatre professionals from around Oregon.
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All plays will receive written critiques.
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Meritorious plays may be announced at the Regional Acting Competitions when possible, or at least prior to the State deadline.
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Selected playwrights receiving meritorious awards are requested to produce their plays at the State Thespian Festival.
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Plays may be produced as a full one-act production or as reader’s-theatre-style staged readings.
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Final recognition of playwrights occurs during the State Festival.
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Awards will be given to State Selects and State Finalists at State. Certificates of honorable mention may be awarded as well.
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Contact the Playwriting Coordinator with questions.
Contact Playwriting Coordinator Annie Kaiser, West Linn HS, at playwriting@oregonthespians.org with questions.
INTERNATIONAL THESPIAN EXCELLENCE AWARDS ELIGIBILITY
The playwriting program is under the umbrella of the International Thespian Excellence Awards, or Thespys, much like Acting and Design/Tech categories are part of the Thespys eligibility process with Regionals, State, and then International Thespian Festival, or ITF. The process through Oregon Thespians provides the opportunity for all Playwrights who achieve an overall SUPERIOR score to qualify to compete in the Playwriting category in Thespys at ITF, if they so choose. See ITF website for more information about qualification requirements, eligibility, and registration options.
Additional State Activities
Oregon Thespians offers a wide range of activities throughout the State Festival that involve all attendees, some with choice offerings and others as part of the experience for everyone. Additionally during the State Festival, a range of additional activities are offered to smaller groups of students and teachers based on interest and capacity of each event. Some activities include, but are not limited to, Advocacy Day, All State musical number, Anonymous Theatre, Play in a Day, and Troupe Director Activity, among other activities developed on a year by year basis, determined by interest, volunteers to coordinate, and materials and space available. See Additional State Activities SOP for more details.
State SOP
Below is the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Manual for State Thespian Festival. This document can be printed and added to a hardcopy manual, if desired. Check the date of any hardcopies you have. Below is the most current version. Also available is the How to Host Guide for Hosts, or those considering hosting.